26/11: Government tightening coastal security

With the second anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks falling on Friday, the government said that India?s coastlines are far more secure than before.

Enlisting its ?multi-dimensional and prompt? measures, a Home Ministry release said that in the wake of the attacks that left at least 166 people dead and over 200 injured, a suitable command structure for maritime security has been firmed up.

On November 26, 2008, pockets of Mumbai, including the iconic Taj Mahal hotel, were attacked by 10 Pakistani terrorists who had entered India through the Arabian Sea coast.

The strike lasted for over 60 hours and left at least 166 people dead and over 200 injured.

The lone surviving terrorist Ajmal Kasab, who was later arrested, has been sentenced to death.

His appeal against the conviction is now being heard by the Mumbai High Court.

As part of its ?firmed-up? measures, the government has set up four Joint Operation Centres have been set up and placed them under the Naval Commander-in-Chiefs.

A Sagar Prahari Bal has been constituted and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coastal security have been finalised in respect of all coastal states and union territories.

With the full implementation of the first phase of the Coastal Security Scheme by March 2011, the states and union territories will be better equipped in terms of coastal police stations, boats, vehicles, two-wheelers, equipment including computers and manpower.

The second phase of the Coastal Security Scheme has also been finalised and approved with an outlay of Rs.1579.91 crore, a Ministry of Home affairs release said.

This will further supplement the States and union territories by providing more police stations, boats, large vessels, jetties, rigid-hulled inflatable boat and other equipment support.

Action is also being taken for issuance of identity cards to all fishermen.

?There is an increased emphasis on technology usage and the process of installation of transponders on vessels to ensure identification and tracking has been initiated. Radar chains are also being strengthened,? the release said.

The Registrar General of India has also undertaken a census of the entire coastal population and is finalising arrangements for issuance of Multipurpose National Identity Cards in this area.

The security of ports including minor ports and the training of security personnel is also receiving adequate priority.

All decisions and initiatives for strengthening and revamping coastal security are being monitored at multiple levels including a National Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

While saying that much more needs to be done and many initiatives are still under implementation, the Home Ministry said that the steps towards reducing vulnerabilities along the coastline will be steady and sustained.